Why did you become a member of parliament?

Politics was always an unfulfilled desire. I always knew exactly what was wrong with politics. It felt like the best helmsmen stand on the shore. In 2022, I ran for election. That was really a switch to flip. As a politician, you have to expose yourself as a person and also say: vote for me because I am better than the other. I found that exciting, but gradually I started to enjoy it more and more.

During the campaign, I started to love the voters more and more. I initially looked with envy at people who easily approached others. I was a bit shy about that. Really listening and taking that as inspiration was a real discovery for me. When you have real conversations with voters and ask questions, you get to hear their stories. The step to becoming a representative meant more to me than I had thought.

How do you like working as a representative?

A debate and a good interruption, I can really enjoy that. I always say: I have a great time. What I also enjoy is working with people who look at society differently. I can say without a doubt that I have good contacts with all parties and can collaborate well.

I am an entrepreneur, and a decision about a product or a meeting is made quickly. But when you think were going to change things directly at the province, it turns out to be very complicated. There are 55 members of parliament, you sit in a faction and also in a coalition. Different rules apply everywhere and different requirements are set. That is complicated, but also the fun of it. You really have to be willing to sink your teeth into it and go through the process. 

What do you want to achieve as a politician in North Holland?

To leave it better than you found it. I have consciously chosen the portfolio of rural areas with nature as a subject. My party is more inclined towards public transport or the connection between the labor market and education, but I have always had a green heart as a red rocket. Nature and biodiversity are important and make life worth living. It says something about how you as a society deal with the vulnerable. Nature conservation is in the founding documents of the labor movement. That is a beautiful tradition to stand for. I hope I can contribute to that.

About Tino Wallaart

Tino is originally a molecular biologist but does not thrive in a laboratory. He was a journalist for Vrij Nederland and for the radio program With an Eye on Tomorrow. In 2007, he started in The Hague, first as a political assistant to Minister Plassterk and later as spokesperson for Minister Cramer. He then led the lobbying department of Natuurmonumenten. In 2015, he started a consulting firm in the field of lobbying. As a hobby, Tino whistles at football matches.